Covid 19: Metro trains, local transport services suspended across India

New Delhi : In the wake of expanding coronavirus in India, Indian Railways has suspended its passenger train services till March 31.

The Suburban local train services on both Central and Western Railway have also been cancelled till March 31, including the Mumbai local train services.

In a circular, the railway board; apex body of all zonal railways has stated that suburban trains shall totally be cancelled from 12 am of March 22 till 12 am of March 31.

"Suburban trains shall be continued with bare minimum level till 12 am on Sunday. Thereafter all suburban trains and trains of metro railway, Kolkatta shall be totally cancelled from 12.00 am of 22.03.2020 to 12.200 am of 31.03.2020." states the circular.

The Maharashtra government had already suspended the use of Mumbai local trains for the general public on March 22.

Besides this, Kolkata Metro will also be suspended from March 23 till March 31.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has also suspended its services in the national capital till March 31.

After registering a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in India, the Centre cancelled all inter-state transport services.

"In view of the need to contain the spread of COVID 19, it was agreed that there is urgent need to extend the restrictions on the movement of non-essential passenger transport including inter-state transport buses till 31st March 2020," said a press release issued by the Center.

"Following detailed discussions, the State Governments were advised to issue appropriate orders to allow only essential services to operate in the 75 districts which have reported confirmed cases or casualties relating to COVID 19. The State Governments may expand the list depending on their assessment of the situation. It was noted that several State Governments have already issued orders in this regard," the press release further added.